Previewing the women's Final Four matchups

Apr. 6, 2014
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Stanford Cardinal forward Chiney Ogwumike (13) celebrates with teammates after the win against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the finals of the Stanford regional in the 2014 NCAA Tournament at at Maples Pavilion. The Stanford Cardinal defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 74-65. / Kelley L Cox, USA TODAY Sports

by Laken Litman, USA TODAY Sports

by Laken Litman, USA TODAY Sports

Why Notre Dame will win: Jewell Loyd, Ariel Braker and Kayla McBride combined for 51 of the Fighting Irish's total 88 points in their Elite Eight win against Baylor. If they can take more shots and avoid getting into foul trouble with Maryland senior forward Alyssa Thomas, Notre Dame should head into the national title game undefeated.

Why Maryland will win: The Irish are without leading rebounder Natalie Achonwa, so if Thomas keeps playing like she has been (leading the team with 19.1 points and 11 rebounds a game) the Terps can avenge a close regular-season loss to Notre Dame at home.

Follow this player on Twitter: @Busta_Reimes Notre Dame freshman forward Taya Reimer will likely be Achonwa's replacement. She lacks experience, but has been waiting for an opportunity to crack the starting lineup.

Did you know? Notre Dame is just the sixth school to reach the Final Four in four straight seasons. Others include UConn, Louisiana Tech, LSU, Tennessee and Stanford.

UConn (38-0) vs. Stanford (33-3) | Time, TV: 9 p.m. ET Sunday, ESPN

Why UConn will win: The defending national champions are on the brink of surpassing Tennessee for the most titles (nine) and extending their winning streak to 45 games. In every NCAA tournament game except one, all five of UConn's starters have reached double digits in scoring. Look for a similar performance against the Cardinal.

Why Stanford will win: Chiney Ogwumike is averaging 23.2 points and 10.5 rebounds a game in the NCAA tournament, and Stanford is providing great support around her with Mikaela Rueff, Amber Orrange and Lili Thompson. They've held teams to 43% field goal shooting or below throughout the tournament, and it would help if they could put the same pressure on UConn.

Follow this player on Twitter: @Chiney321 Ogwumike was the star of Stanford's YouTube video "N-E-R-D-S (#NerdAnthem)" that went viral. She's also on fire, coming off a 20-point, 10-rebound performance in the Cardinal's Elite Eight win over North Carolina.

Did you know? This is the fourth time both the UConn men's and women's teams have made it to the Final Four in the same year. Seven other schools have sent both teams to the Final Four in the same year once.â??